Antara News·Indonesia·Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 09:25 AM

Indonesia urges global action on sea level rise at UN meeting

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Cindy Frishanti Octavia, Yashinta Difa

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia called on the international community to take immediate, concrete action against rising sea levels, warning that every millimeter of ocean rise carries severe consequences for vulnerable coastal populations worldwide.

Speaking at the High-Level Meeting to Address the Existential Threats Posed by Sea-level Rise at UN Headquarters in New York on Thursday (September 24), Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono urged global leaders to move beyond rhetoric to safeguard livelihoods and preserve national boundaries.

"Every millimeter of sea level rise has real consequences for society. This means the loss of people's homes and livelihoods," Minister Sugiono said in a statement released by the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Addressing delegates on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly session, the Foreign Minister outlined key priorities to combat the escalating climate crisis—emphasizing sustainable emissions reductions and increased international support for developing nations through financing, technology transfer, and capacity building.

Sugiono stressed the need for data-driven, science-based approaches to guide policy, strengthen early-warning systems, and deliver targeted protection to communities at the highest risk.

Strengthening coastal resilience, he noted, is vital not only for ecosystem protection but also for guaranteeing long-term economic stability.

Legal stability amid changing geography was another core concern raised by the Indonesian delegation.

Sugiono insisted that climate-induced changes must not undermine established maritime borders or sovereign rights under international law.

"UNCLOS 1982 remains the fundamental legal framework governing the sea, and changes caused by sea level rise should not reduce the rights and obligations that apply in maritime zones and boundaries that have been legally established," he noted.

The high-level meeting concluded with the adoption of the United Nations Political Declaration on Sea Level Rise, aimed at strengthening global solidarity and cooperation to protect coastal and island nations.

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